[.ca] Blue Gardenia

From Amazon.com:
Putting her age-deepened voice to another set of small-group versions of jazz and pop standards, Etta James makes Blue Gardenia a personal statement of mellow truth. Again in the company of pianist Cedar Walton, James inhabits "These Foolish Things," "Cry Me a River," and nearly a dozen others with her blues-drenched, hard-lived sensibility. Ever hopeful and apparently still a deep-dish romantic, James comfortably yet intently engages with the classic material--right down to her occasionally punctuating a lyric or a lick with a knowing "yeah." While most of the album has the feel of a last set in a dark club, she acquits herself well with the single left-field entry, growling her way through a samba arrangement of the '60s soul hit "Love Letters" with aplomb. Other than that, there are few surprises here. The feeling is the point, though, and it's fine. --Rickey Wright

You Can't Go Home Again:
I thought this CD would contain her classic performances -- instead I learn it was recorded last year and in early 2001. Ms. James is long past her prime. Her voice now calls for orchestral support, warmth. Instead, we get Cedar Walton's notion -- rhythm section with brass dominated by fluegel horn(!). Almost unlistenable. Everything mixed at same level, no layering, no subltely. I blame Walton's arrangements -- boring, stilted, unimaginative, lazy. Poor Etta.

Rather Etta than Ella anytime...:
All I know about EJ is what's on this recording. I wish I had listened to her long before. But she has the right combination of tenderness and sweaty hot sexy soul and it just suits me fine. I don't think the album will ever get tired. Favorite tracks: "In My Solitude" and "Cry Me a River" but all the rest are close behind. There is a great intimate sax solo on "...Solitude." I don't see how I could go wrong in buying more music from the superb Etta James.

Pretty Good!:
For the most part,this is a good Cd.There are a few places that could be better(I think "Cry me a river",for example could have been better),but it's not too bad.This CD isn't one of Etta's better CDs,but if you really like her,it will be ok enough.Oh,and I must say that her mother's part doesn't do the disc justice,either.Sorry,Etta!!

Look out Krall - Let the PRO take over!:
If you're thinking about Diana Krall - stop. Let Etta James show you how Jazz should REALLY be done. Don't hesitate - click "BUY NOW". Great stuff!

In response to the last review:
Etta James is not dead! Perhaps you are thinking of Etta Jones?

• This Bitter Earth
• He's Funny That Way
• In My Solitude
• There Is No Greater Love
• Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying
• Love Letters
• These Foolish Things
• Come Rain Or Shine
• Don't Worry 'Bout Me
• Cry Me A River
• Don't Blame Me
• My Man
• Blue Gardenia